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Angie Motshekga Refuses to Resign Over Military Veterans Department Failures
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed calls to step down despite mounting concerns over accountability in her department. Addressing Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on Tuesday, Motshekga defended her leadership as she presented the Department of Military Veterans’ audit outcomes and financial statements.
The Auditor-General’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year delivered a qualified opinion, citing severe deficiencies in internal controls.
During the session, ActionSA MP Alan Beesley questioned Motshekga about the department’s ongoing financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.
“If there is no improvement in a year’s time, will you resign? We cannot keep having a situation where there is zero accountability, and South Africans are the ones who suffer for it,” Beesley asked.
In response, Motshekga made it clear she would not commit to resigning unless directed by the African National Congress (ANC).
“I am here as a minister deployed by the majority party. If I have difficulties, I will take them to those who deployed me, not to the committee or the public. If they find I am not delivering, they will address it with me,” she stated.
Deputy Defence and Military Veterans Minister Bantu Holomisa argued that many of the department’s current challenges stem from long-standing issues.
“We urge MPs to evaluate our performance based on the 2025/2026 financial year. That’s when we can be fairly judged,” Holomisa said.
Acting Military Veterans Director-General Nontobeko Mafu highlighted ongoing difficulties in delivering benefits to veterans, particularly in housing.
“We provide housing as a benefit, but the responsibility of building houses lies with the Department of Human Settlements. If they do not have an available project, we are unable to meet our targets,” Mafu explained.
She also revealed that attempts to implement consequence management have been resisted, citing a toxic culture within the department where some officials evade accountability due to political connections.
Motshekga acknowledged that poor management has worsened the department’s struggles.
“The Department of Military Veterans has 193 posts, with 163 positions occupied. However, many of these individuals are not aligned with the job descriptions they are supposed to fulfill.
“For instance, our internal auditor does not even have the necessary qualifications,” she admitted.
The minister also pointed to political interference as a major source of dysfunctionality.
“I can bring you evidence of Parliament members convening meetings with DMV officials. Discussions meant to be strategic and internal are being brought up in Parliament before being properly addressed within the department,” she said.
Adding to the instability, the department has not had a head of department (HOD) stay in the position for more than two years.
“There are no clear policies and systems in place. That’s why I cannot even deny the dysfunctionality,” Motshekga concluded.
With serious financial mismanagement, political interference, and a lack of leadership stability, the Department of Military Veterans faces an uphill battle in restoring credibility and delivering essential services to those who served the country.
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